Fans on Merseyside call for "affordable derby"

Everton and Liverpool fans have come together to call on both their clubs to make the Merseryside rivalry an "affordable derby" for all.

The Blue Union (Everton) and Spirit of Shankly (Liverpool) fan groups have put their footballing rivalry aside and together are calling on the two clubs to lower away ticket prices at Anfield and Goodison Park respectively.

They are calling on the two clubs to enter into a reciprocal deal, as many Premier League clubs have already done, and cap the away ticket prices for the Merseyside derby at £20.

In a joint statement, the two groups said: "Supporters from both Liverpool and Everton have enjoyed a unique relationship over the years and stood side by side on many occasions.

"Both The Blue Union and Spirit Of Shankly would welcome further co-operation between the clubs to reward loyal fans in an 'affordable derby'.

"We applaud the Premier League’s Away Supporters Initiative, which sees every club set aside £200,000 per season to improve away attendance, and note that many clubs have enhanced this scheme by entering into reciprocal ticket price agreements for away fans.

"Away supporters at both clubs thus benefit from cheaper tickets in recognition of the valuable contribution they make to both the atmosphere and spectacle at games."

Reciprocal pricing arrangements at Premier League clubs have saved fans thousands of pounds since the Twenty's Plenty campaign began. The two groups said: "We believe such an agreement between Liverpool and Everton would recognise the magnificent following enjoyed by our clubs."

Away ticket pricing will be the focus of a weekend of action in October, on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th, where fans across the country will demonstrate against rising ticket prices.